Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Baby, it's cold outside....

The holidays are over, the year-end reconciliations are under way at work, and the auditors will be there next week to review and bestow their blessing on last year's records. Amidst all the commotion, I decided that yesterday's lunch break would be the perfect time to enjoy a little nature. Once I was out there, however, it was reminiscent of the fable where the sun and the wind were in a competition over their respective strengths. The sun tried to make a man take off his hat and coat, while the wind fought to make him keep it on, or something to that effect. Whoever wrote that story must have spent time outside on a day like yesterday. The sun was outstanding. But when I started walking I realized that I should have dressed more warmly than my coat, scarf, hat, and gloves. Due to the icy wind, I needed a layer of thermals.

So it was a short walk.

These guys didn't mind the cold at all. They enjoyed paddling around in the icy water. I had to snap the photo quickly and move on. They have become so domesticated that they start quacking and rushing over to anyone who ventures near, anticipating food.

The 4 Bushel Farmgal

Where I've been, where I'm going

So far it’s been a good life. I’ve lived in both rural and metro areas, waited tables and reviewed chromatograms, rounded up loose sheep and spent beautiful summer evenings at concerts in Central Park. I’ve painted a house, kissed the Blarney stone, and pushed a lawn mower with a baby on my back. Currently I’m working 9 to 5, going to the gym, sneaking a donut, a good book, or a visit with my grown sons when I can. Where do I go from here? I'd like a small house with enough land to homestead.